U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, right, speaks at a press conference outside the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston on Friday. With him, from left, are Ulster County Legislator Hector Rodriguez and County Executive Michael Hein. (Freeman photo by Tania Barricklo)

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Ulster County Executive Michael Hein on Friday withdrew his support for the so-called "public benefits" package offered under the proposed $1.5 billion takeover bid of CH Energy Group by Fortis Inc.

Hein spoke about his change in position after an Uptown Kingston press conference at which he and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., asked for a 30-day extension of the state Public Service Commission's comment period on the takeover and for an evidentiary hearing.

The event happened hours before two New York administrative law judges issued a recommended decision that the benefits of Fortis Inc.'s proposed takeover of CH Energy Group "are outweighed by the detriments" and that leaving things as they are would be preferable to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.'s parent company being bought by its Canadian suitor.

"As more time has passed, and more evidence has come to light, it's raised more questions ... and as they evolve, we've made sure that we are asking for more answers," Hein said.

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In January, Hein lauded a $5 million portion of the deal that Fortis promised would fund programs to help some customers who are unable to pay utility bills.

"I think what everyone is looking at here is the public benefit has got to be more," Hein said on Friday. "I think as more information has come out, opposition has evolved."

Among that information was the revelation in October that CH Energy Group Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Lant is to receive an $8.74 million "termination package" and $2.5 million from stock holdings.

Also on Friday, Hein said Fortis Vice President Barry Perry was incorrect in saying that "all parties have signed off" on the Canadian firm's proposed takeover of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.'s parent company.

"In it's totality, we have not signed onto this deal," Hein said.

Asked if he could take his signature off documents filed with the state Public Service Commission, Hein said: "We know more information today then we did at that point. Yes."

Perry was not immediately available for comment on Friday.

Central Hudson spokesman John Maserjian said utility officials would have to be consulted before commenting on the loss of Hein's support.

Schumer said questions he posed to Fortis officials in February have not been answered and that the company should be held accountable for claims made in its takeover application.

"Fortis has made inadequate commitments thus far in keeping down their rates for customers, inadequate commitments to invest in infrastructure in Ulster County (and) inadequate commitments to renewable and clean energy," the senator said.

"After the recent public comment period, there is little reason to be relieved," Schumer added. "Questions have gone unanswered, and to be perfectly clear, I'm dubious. If Fortis cannot answer the questions adequately for the ratepayers, for the employees, for the customers and for those who work here, I will not support this acquisition."